I finally managed to crack the code and buy two RT tix from JFK to Bari with connecting in FCO. and return. October of this year.

Nowhere on their site do I see a way to request a wheelchair for my partner.

Is this something I can do on arrival at JFK?

We've requested a chair for trips to Spain on Iberia probably six times in past two years....with no issue; this is the first time I have booked on ITA and am not familiar with their site.....can I just ask for a chair when we arrive at JFK? He has a business class ticket, if that's any help with my query..

I am a little leery of ITA in general although Alitalia was always fine for us......

My partner can't walk to the gate but he can enter the plane and sit himself with no assistance.

The Golden Years are upon us, and so far not many complaints (just Parkinsons's and minor issues like that!!) ..just questions.......

The info you need is on the ITA website: https://www.ita-airways.com/en_us/su...stance-us.html

Thank you. I have seen that page but it does not kick me to a place where I can request a chair after booking and having paid for a ticket...

What am I doing wrong here??/

Have you tried calling?

If you are a passenger with a disability or with reduced mobility, you can request assistance when booking your flight or at a later stage by contacting the ITA Airways Assistance Teamat least 48 hours before the departure time of the flight.

877-793-1717* (24 hours daily, 7 days a week)

there is a specialassistance email address at that link

Thanks...I was able to call and get it sorted by their agent in Casablanca.....wait was not even more than 15 minutes or so so looks all set....will be my first taste of ITA. Very short connection in Rome but should work out fine..I think it's about 80 minutes or so....in FCO....same on return from Bari to JFK.

Many thanks, again, for your help on this forum!!!

One more question about ITA:

I belong to Flying Blue (AirFrance/KLM). Will I get points when I fly on ITA this week?

Leaving Sunday for Bari but concerned about the 80-minute connection. Partner uses wheelchair and I think that this assures us that we will get to the gate onetime but one never knows....

We have the same short connection on the return, also from Bari.

I googled " Flying Blue (AirFrance/KLM). Will I get points when I fly on ITA "

and got this:

AI Overview
Yes, you can earn Flying Blue Miles on ITA Airways flights, but with restrictions
. While ITA Airways is no longer a SkyTeam member, the Flying Blue and Volare (ITA's loyalty program) partnership continues for earning and spending Miles, and provides a selection of Elite benefits. However, you will not earn Experience Points (XP) on ITA-marketed flights (AZ flight numbers), though you still earn XP on Air France and KLM-marketed flights.
What You Can Earn:

• Miles:You can earn Miles with the Flying Blue program when you fly on ITA Airways.
• Elite Benefits:You can still receive a selection of Elite benefits and recognition when flying ITA Airways.

What You Won't Earn (or How Restrictions Apply):

• Experience Points (XP):You will no longer earn XP on ITA Airways-marketed flights (those with the "AZ" prefix).
• SkyTeam Benefits:Since ITA Airways is no longer a SkyTeam member, you won't receive SkyTeam-specific benefits like lounge access when flying ITA Airways.

Key Takeaway:
To maximize your benefits, provide your Flying Blue number when booking ITA Airways flights. If the flight is marketed by Air France or KLM (AF or KL), you will still earn both Miles and XP, but you will need to use their loyalty program or Volare if the flight is marketed by ITA.

You can absolutely request the wheelchair in advance. ITA uses the same special assistance request system as most carriers. Call their customer service or add it via “special requests” on your booking through Manage My Trip. Doing it at JFK works, but pre-requesting avoids delays.

Thanks to you both!

I was able to request the wheelchair on the phone.
I will try to add the Flying Blue number to the tickets online, or if not possible, at the airport.

I'm pretty certain that having the wheelchair increases the chance of making the connection in FCO so that's good (if true)

Since ITA is part of the Lufthansa group you may be better using your UA FF number, if you have miles on UA

I googled “star alliance / united.Will I get points when I fly on ITA”

heres the ai response

Yes, as of September 8, 2025, you can earn United MileagePlus points when flying on ITA Airways, and you can also use MileagePlus miles to book ITA flights, thanks to a partnership that precedes ITA's full entry into the Star Alliance. To earn points, make sure to add your MileagePlus number to your booking.

How it works:

1. Book your ITA flight: Purchase your flight through United's website or a partner channel.
2. Add your MileagePlus number: Enter your MileagePlus account number when booking or at check-in.
3. Fly and earn: You will then earn MileagePlus miles for eligible flights flown on ITA Airways.

Important Details:

• This partnership began on September 8, 2025, and allows for both earning and redeeming miles on ITA flights.
• While ITA Airways is moving toward full Star Alliance membership, this partnership allows you to earn points with United now, before it's a formal member.
• For elite members, lounge access is available when flying ITA Airways under this agreement

Back to say it all worked out perfectly.....wheelchairs provided, flights on time, etc. We had an 80-minute connection in FCO and made the flight with time to spare.

ITA Business Class is more basic than the business class on other European airlines that I've flown with. But no complaints.


Thanks to all who helped me out here.

I just received an e-mail saying that after a date in November, flying in ITA will not get you points on Flying Blue, unless your flight number contains the letters for AF or KLM.

We are back at home now. ITA was just fine.

All went well until arrival at JFK, when there were so many wheelchair people waiting for a ride to immigration. After a half an hour, we gave up and I used my partner's wheelchair myself, despite being told that this was not allowed.

This is not th fault of ITA, but of the company that handles handicap assistance at JFK: I think that this company is no longer ABM, but another, whose name I did not get.

This is the scene after exiting the plane:



There were at least 20 occupied wheelchairs, waiting for someone to push them on to immigration and baggage claim. I took thing into my own hands, and began pushing...it was not easy!
Note the two supervisors standing around, but only two pushers" for all those people. (There were more occupied wheelchairs not shown in the photo)